A century in each match opened the South Otago 40-over competition with a hiss and a roar at the weekend.
The Clutha Comets began with a 52-run win over the Owaka Bandits in Balclutha.
Clutha recorded 247 all out in the final over of the innings.
The bulk of the runs came from opening batter Caleb Carson, who scored a fine 107 off just 66 deliveries.
Carson started slowly but began to hit the ball with purpose and hit eight fours and eight sixes in his impressive knock.
He shared an 86-run partnership with Daniel Sutherland before Owaka fought back, taking regular wickets at the other end.
Sam Mosley (38) batted nicely with the tail, while Francis Parker took three wickets for 27 runs off his eight overs.
In reply, the Bandits were bowled out for 195 with an over to spare.
Owaka lost opener James Maclean on the first ball of the innings, which introduced Brad Storer, on loan from Kai. Storer was the rock of the innings, taking his time while others looked to score around him.
Storer was dismissed shortly after drinks for a well struck 46. Parker (43) and Matt Morahan put on an 81-run partnership to give Clutha a few headaches but could not keep up with the required 10 runs an over.
Abhijeet Malandkar (three for 31) and Nick Manston (three for 40) were the pick of the Clutha bowlers.
Defending champion Kai Kings beat the Valley Stingers by 108 runs in Kaitangata.
Kai put on a master class with the willow, recording 263 for six after 40 overs.
Leading the way for Kai was captain Mark Shepherd, who hit a swashbuckling 115 off just 60 deliveries, including eight fours and eight sixes.
Shepherd shared a 166-run third-wicket partnership with William Casey (66).
Bevan McCall was the pick of the Valley bowlers with three for 47 off seven overs.
In reply, the Stingers were bowled out for 155 in the 35th over.
Kings opening bowler Kobe Thomson knocked the top off the order with three wickets inside 10 overs.
- Francis Parker
